Thakazhy Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
The Thakazhy Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. It is one of the most important religious sites in Kuttanad, believed to have been consecrated by the legendary sage Parasurama. The temple is shrouded in myths; one legend says the idol floated here during a massive flood and was recovered by Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. It is particularly famous for its "Valiyenna," a specially prepared medicinal oil that is said to have miraculous healing powers for skin diseases and internal ailments. The temple is located in Thakazhy, the birthplace of the famous Malayalam novelist Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai. The temple complex is serene, featuring a traditional pond (Ambalakulam) where devotees take a ritual dip. The presiding deity, Lord Sastha, is depicted in a peaceful form. The atmosphere is thick with the scent of incense and the sound of traditional temple music. Unlike the crowded temples in cities, this shrine retains its rustic charm and spiritual purity. It serves as a vital cultural center for the local agricultural community, who pray here for a bountiful harvest. The temple's association with both divinity and traditional medicine makes it a unique destination in the heart of the backwaters.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Religious & HeritageEntry Fees:
No Entry Fee: Entry to the temple is free for all devotees.
Oil Charges: The medicinal oil Valiyenna is sold at a nominal cost starting from 100 INR per bottle. ...No Entry Fee: Entry to the temple is free for all devotees.
Oil Charges: The medicinal oil Valiyenna is sold at a nominal cost starting from 100 INR per bottle.Timing:
Regular Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning at 5:30 AM to witness the Nirmalyam (first puja of the day). ...Regular Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning at 5:30 AM to witness the Nirmalyam (first puja of the day).Special Events:
Annual Utsavam: The main festival falls in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March) and lasts for eight days.
Mandalapooja: During the Sabarimala season (November-December), the temple sees a huge influx of pilgrims. ...Annual Utsavam: The main festival falls in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March) and lasts for eight days.
Mandalapooja: During the Sabarimala season (November-December), the temple sees a huge influx of pilgrims.Best Photo Spots:
The Temple Entrance (Gopuram) The traditional wooden entrance with its tiled roof is a perfect example of Keralite heritage.
Reflection in the Pond: Capture the temple's conical roof reflected in the still waters of the pond during the morning light. ...The Temple Entrance (Gopuram) The traditional wooden entrance with its tiled roof is a perfect example of Keralite heritage.
Reflection in the Pond: Capture the temple's conical roof reflected in the still waters of the pond during the morning light.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Ritual Bathing: Take a dip in the temple pond before entering the shrine for a traditional experience.
Observe the Seeveli: Watch the daily ritual where the deity is carried around the temple premises accompanied by traditional drums (Chenda).
Purchase Valiyenna: Visit the temple counter to buy the famous medicinal oil and learn about its application.
Walk to Thakazhi Museum: A short walk from the temple leads to the house of the late author Thakazhi, now a museum.
Photography of the Outer Walls: Capture the traditional wooden architecture and the lamp-lit corridors (Vilakkumadam) at dusk.
Temple Feast: If visiting during a festival, participate in the Annadanam (community lunch) served on banana...
Information
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Why Famous:
Valiyenna Medicinal Oil: This temple is unique for its production of a secret Ayurvedic oil formula used for centuries to treat chronic illnesses. Devotees travel from across the country to obtain this sacred medicine.
Connection to Thakazhi Pi...Valiyenna Medicinal Oil: This temple is unique for its production of a secret Ayurvedic oil formula used for centuries to treat chronic illnesses. Devotees travel from across the country to obtain this sacred medicine.
Connection to Thakazhi Pillai: The temple is a central landmark in the village that inspired many works of the Jnanpith award-winning author. -
Architecture:
Kerala Style Vastu: The temple is a classic example of Kerala Temple Architecture, characterized by the use of wood, laterite, and clay tiles. The Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) is circular with a conical roof covered in copper plates, measuring approximately 20 feet in dia...Kerala Style Vastu: The temple is a classic example of Kerala Temple Architecture, characterized by the use of wood, laterite, and clay tiles. The Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) is circular with a conical roof covered in copper plates, measuring approximately 20 feet in diameter.
The Chuttambalam: A rectangular structure surrounds the sanctum, housing various deities and the temple kitchen. The wooden pillars feature intricate carvings of Hindu motifs. The Namaskara Mandapam in front of the sanctum has a beautifully carved ceiling representing the Navagrahas (nine planets). -
How To Reach:
By Air: Cochin International Airport (105 km).
By Train: Ambalappuzha Railway Station (6 km) or Alappuzha (18 km).
By Road: Located on the Alappuzha-Changanassery road; many local buses stop right at the te... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Thakazhi Museum (1 km), 2. Ambalappuzha Temple (6 km), 3. Karumadi Kuttan (8 km), 4. Champakulam Church (10 km), 5. Kuttanad Paddy Fields (2 km), 6. Mannarasala Temple (15 km), 7. Haripad Subrahmanya Temple (18 km), 8. Alappuzha Beach (20 km), 9. R-Block (18 km), 10. Punnamada Lake (22 km).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Dress code is strict; men must remove shirts and wear a Mundu (Dhoti), and women should wear sarees or long skirts.
Packing: Carry a set of traditional clothes if you intend to enter the inner sanctum.
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